Metallosis caused by Metal on Metal Hip Replacment Implant

DePuy ASR hip replacement systems, manufactured by Johnson & Johnson, have been recalled due to numerous complications and hazards related to the defective medical device.  These complications have led to thousands of lawsuits, health complications and corrective surgeries, as there are far safer alternatives on the market.  Chief among these side effects is metallosis, a condition caused by a buildup of metallic substance in an individual’s soft tissue. Metallosis occurs in patients of the DePuy ASR hip replacement as the metal cup and metal ball grind against each other.  Although they should never touch, this friction causes chromium and cobalt to be deposited into the patient’s bloodstream.  This metal poisoning into the body is exacerbated for DePuy patients because these toxic metals are continuously released into the body.  As a person’s immune system works to fight against these foreign objects, the constant release signals that the immune systems fighting efforts are not enough. Consequently, this causes an over-reaction by the immune system leading to severe consequences, as it aggressively attacks the soft tissue that contains the metal debris. Testing for Metal Poisoning:  The medical community has yet to developed a specific medical test to conclusively determined whether a patient may develop a metal reaction to a Hip Implants. Metallosis often shows up as a dark fluid in a patients hip joint. A normal joint would normally contain a yellow or clear fluid with the joints. However joints of  Individual who have elected to undergo a metal on metal hip replacement contain abnormally high levels of a dark cloudy and unnatural fluid containing Cobalt or Chromium buildup within their joints. Under Such conditions patients will have to undergo revision surgery to remove the fluid buildup and replace the metal on metal hip implant with a non metallic polyurethane model. Symptoms Associated with Metallosis: The only way to cure the symptoms of metallosis in patients of the DePuy ASR hip replacement is revision surgery or a complete removal of the medical device.  These symptoms include:

• Joint pain
• Necrosis – soft tissue failure
• Loosening or a complete breakdown of the hip implant
• Tinnitis
• Nerve damage
• Peripheral neuropathy
• Headaches
• Cardiomyopathy
• Hypothyroidism
• Infection
• Loss of range of motion
• Blindness or deafness
• Death

Even if you are not experiencing these symptoms seek medical attention immediately. It is very possible that you are suffering from metallosis, as they may not be immediately noticeable. Statistics: According to statistics some 2% to 5% of patients who have undergone metal on metal hip resurfacing procedures have developed metallosis. Other studies have shown a metal on metal hip implant failure rate of 6.2%. Some common causes include implant loosening, prosthetic fracture, osteonecrosis, infection, tendinitis, and impingement. DePuy Metallosis Hip Implant Lawyer – Compensation for Your Injuries If you or a loved one has suffered as a result of a DePuy hip implant, our offices are currently accepting  free consultations regarding potential lawsuits.  Patients who have suffered metallosis due to medical complications associated with Metal on Metal hip replacements procedures are entitled to monetary compensation for all their losses including

• Medical Costs associated with the treatment of Metallosis, Cobaltism and replacement of the metal on metal hip implant
• All future medical and rehabilitation expenses
• Lost wages and future loss of income due to inability to work
• Pain and suffering compensation including emotional trauma
• Other non-economic damages including punitive damage – where possible

If you have undergone a hip implant procedure and have suffered extensive injuries contact our Defective Medical Implant Law Firm. (855) 339-8879